Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 9/1/2009

Question
I have a coin that has the date of 1875on it.  It says  Republica Peruana Lima 9 Decimos fino Y.J. This is on the front on the rear it says " Firme Y Por La Union on it.  the front picture is a shield with a seal inside that says republic of Guatemala 1/2 Real.  It also has a wreath on top of the shield.  The rear is a lady in what looks like flowing robes sitting down holding a staff.  Also there is a wreath with a scroll inside it that reads Libertad is Oe Setiembre 1821  This is however impossible to see without a jewlers loop.This coin is in uncirculated condition as well.   Thank you for any help you can give me on this.   Thank you Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,
You have a machined combination of two coin halves. There should be a thin seam around either the edge or the outer perimeter of the rim. Typically these were done by hollowing out one coin, then rolling the other in a press so that its diameter decreases enough to fit into the hollowed out coin. However, these were sometimes not hollowed out (to preserve the weight) but rather cut in half and then put together with either heat and pressure or even something like glue.
Two-sided coins like this are fairly common. There are no such two-sided coins that are actual mint errors.
The funny thing is, if your piece is in excellent condition on both sides and also well crafted (many of these pieces are found to be crude) then you piece may be worth more than the two coins would have been in original condition.
The tiny size of your coin also helps... the smaller the coins the more difficult it is to "craft" them.
You can find either of these coins on eBay in top condition for $5 or less. The two-sided piece may do $10-$20 if it's seen by bidders who specifically collect these.
Thanks for the question! =)